ZOVICLOVIR 200 (200mg Acyclovir)

Product Information

Zoviclovir (Acyclovir) is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. It reduces the severity and duration of outbreaks but does not cure the infection. The viruses remain in the body and may cause future episodes.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

Zoviclovir is prescribed to treat viral infections caused by:

• Herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes)
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

It may also be used in people with weakened immune systems to reduce the risk of viral spread to other organs.

Uses

• Treats cold sores around the mouth
• Treats shingles
• Treats chickenpox
• Manages outbreaks of genital herpes
• Reduces frequency of recurrent herpes outbreaks
• Reduces the risk of serious herpes-related complications in immunocompromised patients

Benefits

• Helps sores heal faster
• Prevents new sores from forming
• Reduces pain and itching
• May shorten how long pain lasts after sores heal
• Lowers risk of virus spreading in people with weak immune systems

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor
• Usual dosing: 2 to 5 times daily 
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine unless instructed otherwise
• If using liquid form:
  • Shake bottle well before each dose
  • Measure carefully with the provided device (not a household spoon)
• Start treatment at the first sign of an outbreak for best results
• Dosage depends on condition, response to treatment, and in children, weight

Other Uses

Zoviclovir may be used off-label as directed by a doctor for other herpes-related infections.

Special Precautions

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you:

• Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Have a weakened immune system (HIV, post-transplant)
• Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are taking other medicines that may affect the kidneys

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

• Use only if clearly needed.
• Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Vomiting

Serious – seek medical advice immediately:

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Kidney problems (changes in urine, unusual back/side pain)
• Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
• Shaky/unsteady movement
• Trouble speaking

Rare but very serious:

• Blood and kidney disorders (especially in patients with weakened immune systems)
• Symptoms may include: extreme tiredness, irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, fever, bloody or dark urine, severe abdominal pain, yellow eyes/skin, vision changes, seizures, or loss of consciousness

Allergic reactions (seek emergency help):

• Rash, itching, or swelling (face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Storage & Disposal

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light
• Do not freeze liquid form
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not flush down the toilet or pour into drains unless instructed
• Safely discard when expired or no longer needed

Emergency Guidance

• Call emergency services if you experience:
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing)
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness
  • Severe irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• Contact your doctor immediately for:
  • Severe or persistent diarrhea
  • Signs of kidney problems
  • Confusion, hallucinations, or sudden changes in mental state